‘Apprentice’ winner addresses sellout crowd

It was only Randal Pinkett’s second week on the NBC reality series, “The Apprentice,” when he was forced to deal with the death of his grandmother. He was faced with a heartbreaking decision — leave the show or stay and fight through his emotions.

He needed help. That’s when he decided to call his grandfather.

“I had an encouraging conversation with him,” Pinkett said. “He told me that my grandmother would have wanted me to stay. I can’t say I’d be here right now if it weren’t for his words.

Pinkett ultimately chose to stay on the show.

Little did he know that his grandfather’s advice would serve him well. He became the show’s winning contestant last season and that paved the road for the uncharted opportunities.

Pinkett is an established entrepreneur, author, scholar, speaker and community servant. He shared his winning experience, as well as some words of inspiration at the 17th annual Andrew J. Davis Jr. Unity Breakfast, held at the Cambridge Center Marriott in Kendall Square and hosted by the Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts. At the breakfast, he became CBMM’s first recipient of the Paul Robeson Leadership Award.

Founded in 1989 by ten black professionals of different backgrounds and professions. their mission is to improve the quality of life in the black community by “reaffirming the viability of the black male” and instilling the importance of education, economic interdependence and cultural and social principles for success.

“It’s important for me to be here,” says Pinkett. “Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts is a shining example of what a black male professional needs to be doing in the community.” He says that in this day and age, we are in a state of crisis. “Statistics show that there are increases in drop outs, those in incarceration and crime rates. If we want change, we have to take proactive steps.”

Therefore, it makes sense that CBMM chose Pinkett to serve as their keynote speaker this year. He stands as an inspiration to many young adults and a representation of the priceless advantages that accompany knowledge and an education.

Pinkett was already a businessman with some scholarly and entrepreneurial achievement under his belt before he began “The Apprentice.” He felt privileged to be able to work with other like-minded individuals that had advanced knowledge about the business industry.

“Being on ‘The Apprentice’ was an amazing experience,” says Pinkett. “I was challenged every week in a different area of business like marketing, advertising and strategy and I saw the workings of a multi-million dollar company first hand.

Pinkett is a leader by example and given his good fortune, he feels it is his responsibility to give back to his community. He also feels it is important for young people to have a role model that can offer one on one interaction.

“I don’t want to be that person that people see from a distance and think, ‘oh, that can’t happen to me.’ I want to be up close and personal, so young people can relate to me and see that I am the real thing. I don’t want to be that distant, untouchable person that young people can’t relate to.”

The theme of this year’s breakfast was “Getting Back to Our Roots,” celebrating the timeless efforts of the CBMM founders and recognizing the conditions under which the organization was created. The late eighties, and much of the early nineties, saw an increase in violence and crime that scarred Boston’s inner cities. Those days seem to be making a comeback once again and it’s CBMM’s mission to kindle more powerful minds to offset the negative trend that is often associated with young black men.

“We come from a legacy of excellence and the importance of installing pride and appreciation for our history is crucial,” says Pinkett. “Black men have excelled and it is important for young black males to know that they too can excel.”

Although he is not a fan of losing, there are some definite lessons to be learned through trial and error.

“It prompts you to look elsewhere,” says Pinkett. “The more you explore, the more options there are available to you. I’ve been blessed with talent and it’s my responsibility to give back to others.”

Beyond his earned fame from “The Apprentice,” Pinkett is the co-founder, president and CEO of BCT Partners, a multi-million dollar management, technology and policy consulting firm based in Newark, NJ. Prior to founding BCT, Pinkett spent his early days getting his feet wet with various entrepreneurial opportunities and experiences.

While in college he co-founded MBS Enterprises, a business based in his dormitory selling compact discs and cassette tapes. He used the proceeds to fund high school outreach activities. That helped pave the road for his next feat, which evolved MBS to MBS Educational Services & Training, a firm that provided training and development for emerging and seasoned professionals. Then Pinkett co-founded the Inner City Consulting Group, a multi-disciplinary consulting firm that specialized in catering to the needs of inner city communities. Finally, affiliation with One Economy, Pinkett co-founded Access One Corporation, which provided affordable housing equipped for the 21st century.

“I think I was born to do business,” says Pinkett.

Moreover, Pinkett is no stranger to the Bay State. In fact, out of five academic degrees, he earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. from MIT. In addition to his corporate obligations, he is a sought after public speaker for corporate, youth and community groups around the country, doing 2-3 speaking engagements a week. He is a published writer who has produced over 20 articles and authored chapters for four books including “Journey to the Ph.D.: How to Navigate the Process as African-Americans” and “The Network Society: A Cross-cultural Perspective.”

Now, he is in the midst of completing some book deals. One is entitled “Black Faces in White Places,” which chronicles the experiences of African Americans who gained their education in predominantly white institutions.

“It is more important to maintain a sense of identity,” says Pinkett. “People think you have to give up who you are in order to move up. I disagree with that. You have to maintain your sense of purpose and direction. One’s determination should not diminish, but should be amplified.”

Pinkett believes to whom much success is given, much is expected. It is essential for young black males, whether underprivileged or economically secure, to take a step back and understand the universal power of an education. If you have it, be proactive and share it.